SC Freiburg opened its pre‑season on July 7 and immediately included the still club‑less goalkeeper Noah Atubolu in training. The 24‑year‑old remains under contract until June 2027, yet a potential move to England is already circulating.

Why is Atubolu training despite lacking a new contract?

The club needs at least four goalkeepers in its daily routine. Alongside Atubolu, new signing Mio Backhaus, designated future starter from Bremen, Florian Müller and Jannik Huth are all present. Atubolu’s involvement shows he is still part of the squad’s day‑to‑day and can share his experience.

Which newcomers are bolstering the roster?

Beyond Backhaus, the Breisgau side has added two Japanese players: midfielder Rihito Yamamoto (24) from St. Truiden and striker Keisuke Goto (21) from RSC Anderlecht. The 1.91 m forward scored ten league goals on loan at St. Truiden. Additionally, loan returnee Berkay Yilmaz (21) comes back from 1. FC Nürnberg.

What is the current league and form situation?

SC Freiburg currently sits 7th in the Bundesliga with 47 points from 34 matches (13 wins, 8 draws, 13 losses). The team has scored 51 goals and conceded 57, a –6 goal difference, and trails leaders Bayern München by 42 points. Their last result was a 0‑3 defeat to Aston Villa on May 20 2026, and the last five games read 2 wins and 3 losses (LLWWL, the two most recent matches lost).

What follows after the training camp?

From July 22 to 31 the squad heads to Schruns, Austria, for its traditional camp. Test matches against Derby County in Imst are scheduled. The coaching staff will use the period to integrate the Japanese signings while also planning possible departures – Junior Adamu already moved to Schalke 04, and Noah Weißhaupt joins Darmstadt 98.

How could a potential Atubolu transfer unfold?

Media suggest Hull City from the Premier League are interested in Atubolu. The keeper, a product of Freiburg’s academy and recently part of the extended German national team squad, could take a step to England. SC Freiburg remains open to offers that make sense both sportingly and financially.

The pre‑season kickoff offers a first glimpse of squad composition, while the coming weeks will decide on possible exits and the integration of the new faces.